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ISBN: 9781925591408
Dimensions: B Format: 19.8x12.8cm
Pages: 424
Publication year: 2018
Publisher: Fremantle Press
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A Fortunate Life

Written by A.B. Facey (d.1982)

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Born in 1894 and first sent to work at the age of eight, Facey lived the rough frontier life of a labourer and farmer and jackaroo, becoming lost and then rescued by Indigenous trackers, then gaining a hard-won literacy, surviving Gallipoli, raising a family through the Depression, losing a son in the Second World War, and meeting his beloved Evelyn with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage.

Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Facey always saw his life as a fortunate one.

A true classic of Australian literature, Facey’s simply penned story offers a unique window onto the history of Australian life through the greater part of the twentieth century – the extraordinary journey of an ordinary man.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘[A] plain, unembellished, utterly sincere and un self-pitying account of the privations of childhood and youth.’ Courier Mail

‘This compelling story is not just a personal account but a reflection of an era, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Australia’s past.’ Australian Women’s Weekly

‘[An] extremely powerful description of Gallipoli.’ Australian Book Review

‘This is the sort of book that makes me feel comfortable and warm. It’s a companion and friend, much, much more than a collection of words … The charm of the chapters lies in the sincerity of the author, a man that one finds so easy to admire through his writing alone.’ Queensland Reviewers Collective

‘His autobiography is full of tales of adventure and misadventure. His straight-forward style, ironic humour and muted exaggeration makes them entertaining and immensely readable.’ Western Ancestor Magazine

Awards

Banjo Award for Australian Literature (Winner 1981)
NSW State Literary Award (Winner 1981)
Douglas Stewart Prize (Winner 1981)



Pages: 424
Publication Year: 2018
Publisher: Fremantle Press
ISBN: 9781925591408
Share via:      

A.B. Facey (d.1982)

A.B. Facey was born in 1894 and grew up on the Kalgoorlie goldfields and in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. His father died before he was two and he was deserted by his mother soon afterwards. He was looked after by his grandmother until he was eight years old, when he went out to work. […]